Teen’s mural unveiled at Housing’s renovated library

The Methuen Housing Authority’s community room at 24 Mystic St., had a ribbon-cutting for their recently updated library room which features a beautiful mural of Mexican-American singer Selena, courtesy of a talented Methuen teen.

With the vision of creating a calming space where residents can choose a book and relax while reading, Director of Public Housing Yiemy Medina and Housing Director Anne-Marie Moglia saw that dream come true when the new library received a much-needed overhaul.

Methuen teen Kiara Magnolia Castillo (at left of the mural) painted the Selena mural, while her family gave the Housing Authority library a makeover. Shown are (from left) Housing Commissioner Gail Drouin, Denise Castillo, Kiara’s grandmother Magnolia Castillo, Kiara, her twin sister Kailee Castillo, grandfather Ramon Castillo, and parents Lazara and David Castillo. ML photos by Nancy Reardon

Methuen resident Kiara Magnolia Castillo, 18, a senior at Pingree School, painted a mural in the new library as part of her senior school project. Her family provided the library’s makeover.
Kiara said she was inspired to paint the mural of Selena because “I grew up listening to Selena with my mom, memorizing her lyrics and finding joy in her music. … I wanted to bring something meaningful to a space where it would be respected, loved, shared.”

The mural is 70 inches tall and features a striking portrait of Selena holding her Grammy Award, framed by wings of the Mexican flag. Selena was murdered in 1995. In 2020, Billboard magazine put her in third place on their list of “Greatest Latino Artists of All Time.”
Kiara and her family redesigned the library by painting cabinets, reorganizing bookcases, restocking books and organizing furniture to make it more cohesive and relaxing for the residents.
Kiara’s grandmother, Magnolia Castillo, is a resident of the housing authority and is very proud of her granddaughter and all the work she put into this project.